October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the NFL is "backing the American Cancer Society with a campaign -- A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives -- and by relaxing its strict uniform code," according to Jarrett Bell of USA TODAY. Many NFL players "will wear custom-made pink cleats this weekend," while the balls used by kickers "will feature pink ribbon decals and goal-post padding and other accessories will be pink." The pink game gear and balls "will be autographed by players, then auctioned at NFLAuction.NFL.com to benefit the American Cancer Society and team charities." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell "hopes the attention underscores the importance of screening and early detection" (USA TODAY, 10/1). In Miami, David Neal reported Dolphins players during Sunday's game against the Bills "will have pink cleats, wristbands, gloves, sideline caps, helmet decals, captains' patches or towels." Coaches "will wear pink caps and pink ribbon pins" (MIAMI HERALD, 9/30). In N.Y., Judy Battista noted the idea for pink shoes came from Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams, who "heard about the other pink items the NFL had planned for teams and proposed the cleats because of their primacy to players." Williams' mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in August '04 and "is in remission" (N.Y. TIMES, 9/30). Tanya Snyder, wife of Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder, is serving as the NFL spokesperson for the initiative and she appeared live on NBC's "Today" Friday morning. Snyder said the wearing of pink "is to just let you know through the NFL that there are no boundaries and with our players and everyone in the NFL just to show the support for the cause" ("Today," NBC, 10/2).

BROTHERLY LOVE: In Philadelphia, Mike Mazzeo reported the Eagles in partnership with the Phillies have joined in a "unique effort to raise money and awareness for the Jefferson Breast Care Center." The two teams have "released limited-edition, co-licensed T-shirts, featuring both Phillies and Eagles logos, to be sold only in October." The shirts are $20 and can be purchased online or at Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. All of the proceeds "will be used to help enhance the Jefferson Breast Care Center." Eagles President Joe Banner approached Phillies President & CEO David Montgomery "about a potential partnership a month ago," and Montgomery was "more than happy to oblige" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 9/30). Meanwhile, in Illinois, Bob LeGere noted "Real Bears Fans Wear Pink" T-shirts are available online for $15, "with the proceeds going to provide services to breast cancer patients and their families." Bears coaches "wore the pink shirts at Wednesday's practice" (Illinois DAILY HERALD, 10/1).

DROPPING THE GLOVES: The NHL and the NHLPA are hosting their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Month. The league-wide initiative includes Hockey Fights Cancer-themed merchandise. Each NHL team will designate one home game as its Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night and will collaborate with local and national cancer organizations to promote cancer awareness and raise funds (NHL).